Gunman Opens Fire At Christchurch Mosque

Newsroom

Posted on March 15, 2019

A gunman has reportedly opened fire in a Christchurch Mosque.

Armed police are responding to reports of shots being fired in central Christchurch at 1:40pm local time.

Several hundred people were inside the mosque at the time and witnesses reported seeing at least four people on the ground and "blood everywhere", according to Radio New Zealand. One man said the scene at the mosque was chaotic.

"I heard a big sound of the gun. And a second one, I ran. Lots of people were sitting on the floor. I ran behind the mosque," he told TVNZ.

"The floor. There's lots of blood on the floor, you can see when you go in."

The man, who did not give his name said he saw four people on the floor but did not see the shooter.

The shooter is reportedly caucasian with blonde hair. There are also reports that he live streamed the shooting and was wearing military clothing.

Police have confirmed they are dealing with a critical incident.

LIVE COVERAGE:

BREAKING: This is an unconfirmed photo of the shooter who has left at least 6 dead, 40+ injured after a shooting at Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/TpYcVrHSMw

Stuff NZ report that Jama saw around four people injured and two people lying on the floor. He did not know whether they were alive or deceased.

In Cathedral Square, at the climate protest, a police officer asked for everyone to make their way home immediately. The police officer said there had been an incident and students should go straight home.

Police are continuing to urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay indoors and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.

Bangladesh team escaped from a mosque near Hagley Park where there were active shooters. They ran back through Hagley Park back to the Oval. pic.twitter.com/VtkqSrljjV

There are unconfirmed reports that the people (shooters) are still at large and that there are shootings in multiple locations.

Sources tell us that there are multiple ambulances and police cars at the scene.

In response to a serious ongoing firearms incident in Christchurch all Christchurch schools have been placed into lockdown. Police urge anyone in central Christchurch to stay off the streets and report any suspicious behaviour immediately to 111.

The whole of Christchurch is in lockdown including schools across the city.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has cancelled her afternoon duties and will speak about the shooting later today.

Christchurch Hospital has urged people to avoid the area unless they are seriously injured.

A video has surfaced online of the gunman's rampage.

Sources report the shooter uploaded lengthy 80-page manifesto to the Internet before committing the atrocity where he identified himself as a white 28-year-old from Australia.

I'm reading the shooter's manifesto. He talks about the declining birthrate of white people in Western countries and the influx of immigrants brought on by corporations and state interests. He refers to himself as a "kebab removalist." pic.twitter.com/UEwAQLVLK4

Three men and one woman are in custody.

1/5 Police is responding to a very serious and tragic incident involving an active shooter in central Christchurch. One person is in custody, however Police believe there may be other offenders.... This is an evolving incident and we are working to confirm the facts...

2/5 however we can confirm there have been a number of fatalities. Police is currently at a number of scenes. We understand that there will be many anxious people but I can assure New Zealanders that Police is doing all it can to resolve this incident.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has called today "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

"Many of those who have been directly affected by this shooting maybe migrants to New Zealand... They have chosen to make New Zealand their home and it is their home. They are us. The person who has perpetuated this violence against us is not," she said in a press conference.

Australians who require assistance are urged to contact +6444736411 or +61262613305.

Any Australian citizens who require consular assistance, or families concerned about the welfare of citizens should contact +6444736411 or +61262613305